A conference in Exeter aims to help prevent businesses and individuals in the region falling victim to cyber-crime. Devon and Cornwall Police and the South West Cyber Security Cluster are teaming up to hold the event at Exeter Science Park on Tuesday, December 6. Founded in February 2015, the cluster aims to raise awareness of the cyber threat landscape, offering free advice and support to businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats such as hackers and online fraud.
Members include Devon and Cornwall Police, the University of Exeter, Plymouth University and Devon and Cornwall Business Council. Roz Woodward chairs the SWCSC and is co-founder of a cyber security company also based at the Science Park. She said: We founded the South West Cyber Security Cluster in order to help raise awareness of the increasing risk to business and to set-up a support system for local business people.
High profile hacks such as TalkTalk, Yahoo and Three Mobile have helped to bring cyber security to the forefront of people s minds, but often, businesses aren t aware of the changes they can make to improve security or who to approach for independent help.
Steering group member Geoff Revill added: There are a number of highly qualified and experienced cyber security specialists in the South West.
Having worked in this industry for a number of years, we felt a need for an independent body to raise the profile of cyber security issues and help the region’s businesses and organisations take steps to counter the threats. With the support of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Exeter Science Park, we offer free advice, events and expertise to help businesses understand how they can protect their data and their reputation.
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Joining the event will be the force s crime reduction team leader Bob Bunney, who said: We are hearing more and more about cyber attacks that lead to financial or credibility loss, such as hacking, phishing and ransomware. As more and more people become aware of and use technology, the more cyber related crime is becoming more frequent, increasingly complex and with economic impact at a local regional and national level.
Cyber risk will not go away. It cannot be stopped but it can be mitigated. This is why Devon and Cornwall Police support the principles of the South West Cyber Security Cluster.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who will also be speaking at the event, said: The escalation in the scale and scope in cyber related crime is evident. Barely a week goes by without a substantial new cyber attack receiving national coverage.
It is important that the business community recognise the threats to their operations posed by these attacks and take simple steps to protect themselves, their customers and clients.
As Police and Crime Commissioner of Devon and Cornwall, I am pleased to endorse the South West Cyber Security Cluster and the proactive approach it is taking to work with the business community to protect businesses from attack. The event will feature short presentations from a number of the region s cyber security experts detailing some of the latest threats and steps businesses can take to protect themselves.
Speakers include Sham Miah from Webroot and Kate Doodson and Durgan Cooper of the SWCSC. Roz added: The launch of the South West Cyber Security Cluster is the first step in gathering the region s experts and setting the South West as a leading location in cyber security awareness, practice and expertise.
We will continue to host regular events and offer online advice and one-to-ones with any businesses needing some extra advice. All of our services will be free and impartial.
To find out more, visit www.southwestcsc.org3 or follow @SouthWestCSC on Twitter.
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References
- ^ Comments (0) (www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk)
- ^ WATCH NEXT: Sparex MD Jeremy Burgess on international trade – VIDEO (www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk)
- ^ www.southwestcsc.org (www.southwestcsc.org)
- ^ READ NEXT: Exeter police warn being under the drink drive limit may not save you (www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk)